Team America Honors Late Founder Mike Quartey in Emotional Showdown at AT&T Stadium

Team America Honors Late Founder Mike Quartey in Emotional Showdown at AT&T Stadium

Arlington, TX – May 30, 2025 — In a heartfelt and historic football event at AT&T Stadium — the iconic home of the Dallas Cowboys — Team America took the field not only to showcase athletic talent but to honor the life and legacy of its visionary founder, Mike Quartey.

The contest, which featured free agent football players vying for a shot at higher-level leagues, was steeped in emotion following the sudden and unexpected passing of Quartey on May 16th. Quartey, a beloved figure in the football community, was the driving force behind Team America, the FCS Bowl, and the Tropical Bowl — events that have given countless players a platform to prove themselves when the traditional path to professional football had seemingly closed.

Team America, a squad composed of hungry and talented free agents, took the field with more than just football on their minds. They were there for Mike. And in a venue that has hosted NFL legends and Super Bowl champions, these players made sure to honor their late founder with passion, intensity, and brotherhood.

“Mike changed lives,” said Team America staff member Jim Collins. “He gave players a second chance, a platform, a belief in themselves. There was no way we were going to cancel this game. This was for him.”

Coach Gould, who worked closely with Quartey on the FCS and Tropical Bowls, echoed the sentiment. “He was a builder. A man who saw value in people when others didn’t. Hosting this game was about more than football. It was about family. It was about honoring someone who made dreams come true.”

A Stage of Dreams

The game drew a healthy crowd of supporters, scouts, and media to AT&T Stadium, a surreal experience for many of the players who’d only dreamed of playing on such a prestigious stage. Team America gives overlooked talent — often from smaller colleges, arena teams, or international circuits — the chance to compete, get quality film, and earn a living while chasing the dream of professional football.

This year’s roster was no different in talent or determination. Among the standout names was linebacker Jerimiah Spicer, a former Los Angeles Chargers signee known for his tenacity and resilience going from homelessness to the NFL. Spicer’s presence alone highlighted the level of athletes this program attracts.

Another headliner was Todd Simmons, a well-traveled wide receiver with stints on NFL rosters including the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, and Chicago Bears. Most recently a member of the UFL’s Arlington Renegades, Simmons contributed two catches during the game and showed the kind of veteran poise that could still attract league attention. Simmons was known as “the best spring league wide receiver.” Boasting a blazing 4.37 40 at his pro day in 2023.

One of the most dynamic performances of the night came from Carl Greene, a small school hybrid from East Greenwich, Rhode Island. An athlete who played both running back and defense. Greene made waves with a lightning-fast 23-yard reception out of the backfield and two additional rushes for over 20 yards combined. On defense, he also tallied two key tackles, showcasing his rare versatility.

Greene said “it’s just a blessing to honor coach Mike and put the pads on again.” A lot of guys aren’t as fortunate to keep playing the game we love year around, if you weren’t picked up by a team you gotta wait until next year for an opportunity.” “I’m just thankful to Coach Mike for this opportunity to keep playing and I give him and his family my condolences.”

Running back Gerald Hearns was also a standout. With his strong running ability. Gerald is a professional free agent right now. Playing overseas with multiple other leagues.

The legacy of Mike Quartey was felt in every snap. For the players, many of whom had met him personally or benefited from his network of showcase games, this wasn’t just a contest. It was a tribute.

Quartey was more than a founder — he was a mentor. His events, especially the FCS and Tropical Bowls, were stepping stones for players looking to elevate their careers. Over the years, his Team America platform has helped athletes make it to NFL rosters such as the Chargers, Ravens, Giants, Buccaneers, and even the Cowboys — whose house hosted this very event. Along with countless other players that have went on to play professionally through the FCS and Tropical Bowls.

One of Quartey’s many success stories is Gerald Hearns, a former D1 running back who took the field in Arlington once again. Hearns, like many, has become a symbol of the grind — a player who never gave up on the dream and found opportunity through Mike’s platforms.

Alongside Hearns were a slew of high-energy, high-character free agents, many from indoor and international leagues, who played with a fire lit by both ambition and remembrance.

A Legacy Cemented in Arlington

The event’s location — AT&T Stadium — made the tribute even more powerful. Known as “Jerry’s World,” the venue is the pinnacle of football venues. Hosting a Team America showcase there was symbolic. Quartey had built a brand powerful enough to reach the NFL’s front door, and now his athletes were performing on the same turf as Cowboys legends.

“This wasn’t just a game,” said Coach Gould after the final whistle. “This was a thank you to Mike. A way to keep his vision alive. As long as players need a platform, we’ll be here.”

Jim Collins added, “Mike believed that talent could come from anywhere. We believe that too. And we’re going to keep fighting for these guys — just like he did.”

What’s Next

With this emotional yet inspiring showcase in the books, Team America looks ahead to the rest of their international schedule. The goal remains unchanged: give underdog athletes a real shot. But now, every snap, every catch, and every tackle carries a little more meaning.

They’re not just playing for contracts. They’re playing for Mike.

As the lights dimmed in AT&T Stadium, and the players gathered for one last group photo at midfield, there was a moment of silence and a prayer — a moment to reflect on a man whose passion created a pipeline of possibility.

Mike Quartey may be gone, but his mission marches on.

And in Arlington, on that hallowed field, Team America made sure the world remembered his name.